A novel realistic three-layer phantom for intravascular ultrasound imaging

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is an imaging modality that experienced a t remendous development over the last 20 years. Phantoms for IVUS are rare an d poorly documented. The aim of this paper is to propose an original IVUS p hantom that has geometries and specular textures closer to those of coronar y arteries than conventional tube-like phantoms. The proposed phantom has a three-layer aspect, reproducing the intima, media and adventitia that comp ose the arterial wall. It is made of an agar-based compound, with water, gl ycerol and cellulose particles. Fourteen phantoms were quantified using IVU S. Six phantoms were evaluated by both photomacroscopy and IVUS. There was an excellent correlation between phantom dimensions evaluated by photomacro scopy and the nominal values (mold dimensions). The IVUS quantification of the phantom was closely correlated to the measurements obtained by photomac roscopy. These results demonstrate that a multilayer phantom, with known an d reproducible dimensions and with realistic geometric and echographic prop erties has been developed.